Toquop Energy Project

The BLM has issued Toquop Energy, Inc., a Notice to Proceed for a natural gas-fired power plant. Construction may begin once the proponent satisfies conditions outlined in the Notice. BLM is now working on a right of way application for project-related water development in the Tule Valley. The ROW is expected to be completed by June 2014.

The BLM issued rights-of-way (ROW) for a natural gas-fired plant in 2003. The following year, Toquop Energy, Inc. filed an application to amend the 2003 grant to allow for construction of a coal fired plant, instead. In January 2010, Toquop Energy, Inc. notified the BLM that the company intended to withdraw the application to amend the ROW and proceed with the gas-fired plant. Project partner Sithe Global withdrew from the project in August 2012. The new partner is EWP Renewable Corporation.

Toquop Energy, Inc. is simultaneously pursuing purchasing lands necessary to construct the plant and ancillary facilities. The Ely Resource Management Plan provides for the disposal of up to 640 acres for power plant development. The BLM will dispose of no more than 200 acres because of a conflict with the Western Wide Energy Corridor.